What does this measure?

The change in the number of business establishments by sector, shown as a percentage gain or loss from 2000 to 2007.

Why is this important?

This indicator reveals which industries are adding establishments and which are experiencing stagnation, contraction or consolidation.

How is the Greater Capital Region performing?

The region added about 2,000 businesses in the period from 2000 to 2007, roughly a 10% increase. The region's growth lagged behind the nation's rate of 14%, but outpaced New York State's 9%. The only sector to decline at the regional level was Manufacturing, where the number of businesses fell by roughly 4%. Losses in Manufacturing continue a longstanding downward trend, but the regional decline was lower than the nation's (11%) and the state's (16%). Meanwhile, the number of businesses in the Educational Services sector increased 33% in the Greater Capital Region, and Natural Resources/Mining, Health Care/Social Assistance, Government and Construction all experienced sizeable increases.

Notes about the data

This is a measure of business establishments, not the number of separate firms. A single business may have multiple locations. This indicator includes both new firms and additional locations of current business firms.